Horse rescue

Friendship Volunteer Fire Department helped rescue a mare stuck in a four foot sink hole Thursday afternoon. The farm, owned by Ralph Adams, was located south of Olean, at the 7000 block of South County Road 175 E. With the help of a Bobcat and backhoe, the fire department members and others rescued the mare in about 30 minutes. The horse, estimated to weigh about 2,000 pounds, had just minor injuries. The mare’s foal was nearby and tended to by family members. Matt Jeffries and Keith Sieverding, both with Friendship Fire Department, assist Ralph Adams. Steve Williams, with a shovel and Mike Harris in fire gear, also work to rescue the mare.  Vet Harley Robinson checked the animal after it was removed.  


Caterer wins chamber award

Mary Mattingly
EDITOR
mmattingly@ripleynews.com

It was somewhat ironic that the meal being served at the 17th annual Ripley County Chamber of Commerce business recognition luncheon was created by the same business being honored that day. Rolling Pin Catering was awarded the Business of the Year, at the same time a few of the employees were busy overseeing the food.


MARY MATTINGLY PHOTO
Fifteen new businesses were recognized at the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon. First row, from left, Cindy Ward of Been There K-9 Bed Bug Detection Service, Aimee Cornett with Tyson Activity Center, Marilyn Turner of River Valley Financial Bank, Rachel Negangard of The Saint Florian, Ken Welch of Eastside Auto; second row, left, Jason Comer of Park and Elm Investment Advisors, Greg Boehner of Been There K-9 Bed Bug Detection Service, Mark Dearden of Turkey Creek Plumbing, Luke Hanson of John E. Retzner Oil Co. Kelly Svatba and Bart Hicks, both of River Valley Financial Bank.

About 95 people attended the luncheon at the REMC Training Center. Fifteen new businesses were also recognized. President of the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce Phil Hart noted the chamber is there “to serve you” as members. He encouraged members to share ideas to make business and commerce better in the county.

The Rolling Pin owners, long-time employees and founder were on hand for the special event. Board member Alesha Neal introduced the business of the year, sharing the caterer’s background. Owned by Amy and Scott Meisberger, the business began with Amy’s grandfather, John Kayser. He was trained in the military as a baker, and used this skill for the family business that first opened in Erlanger, Ky. His skills were passed on to his children, and Amy’s parents opened a business in Colerain, opening the original Rolling Pin Bakery. It was a successful business, but the family eventually wanted out of the city and chose to relocate to Versailles. After two years, Amy’s mom, Linda Teichman, transformed the bakery into a short-order grill. The catering business evolved after agreeing to cater for a local wedding. In 1998, Teichman closed the front of the shop and concentrated strictly on catering. Amy Meisberger returned to Versailles 10 years ago, and gradually took over the business. The front of the business was re-opened last August. She recognized her mother, long-time employee Annis Luke and Barbara Davis, along with her husband, son and step-son for their work.



Osgood man part of big meth ring

U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett announced May 15 the indictment and arrest of 23 defendants involved in a drug trafficking operation that stretched from the Mars Hill section of Indianapolis to North Vernon, Indiana and other communities in central Indiana. One of those arrested was an Osgood man, David Chadwell.

“The scourge of meth has taken a heavy toll on communities in our state, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is re-doubling efforts to combat organized methamphetamine activity in Southeastern Indiana,” Hogsett said. “Long-term investigations, cooperatively maintained, using sensitive investigative techniques, produce significant results. This isn’t small ball. This isn’t ‘three buys and a bust.’ This is what you do when you are serious about making the quality of life in this community better,” he added.

FBI Special Agency in Charge Robert A. Jones said, “This case is another example of the power of partnerships. The FBI and state and local partners throughout central and southern Indiana have joined together with the USAO in this investigation to dismantle a drug distribution network that has plagued the community.”

The main indictment charged 16 defendants with participating in the activities of a methamphetamine distribution organization. The indictment charged the following defendants with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.

Besides Chadwell, indictments included: Donald P. Maggard, 40, of North Vernon; Ashley N. Wright, 27, of North Vernon; Jason L. Howard, a/k/a Jay, 33, of North Vernon; Jason D. Mantooth, 38, of Indianapolis; Dorothy M. Neeley, 39, of Indianapolis; Robert J. Holliday, a/k/a Jo Jo, 30, of Indianapolis; Kimberly A. Ault, 31, of Indianapolis; David L. Bell, 48, of Seymour; George R. Nichols, a/k/a Rick, 59, of Butlerville; and Jessica R. Parsons, 32, of North Vernon. The indictment also charged 56-year-old Marsha D. Fields, of North Vernon with maintaining a drug-involved premise.
The ringleader is suspected to be Donald Maggard of North Vernon.

Hogsett said that these indictments were the result of a nine-month, ongoing investigation that had already produced seven arrests for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Mars Hill area of Indianapolis. These charges are the result of a collaborative investigation conducted by the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and several other local enforcement agencies. Federal Prosecutor Bradley Blackington says those defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine face up to life in federal prison and fines up to $10 million, if convicted. He also told the Indianapolis Star that they confiscated two pounds of meth. A pound of meth can be sold for $20,000 on the street.




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